Deadly Attacks in South Beirut, Tehran ‘Dangerous Escalation’ Secretary-General Says, Urging Vigorous Work to Prevent Pushing Entire Middle East over the Edge

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General believes that the attacks we have seen in South Beirut and Teheran represent a dangerous escalation at a moment in which all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, a massive increase of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and a return to calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line.

Rather than that, what we are seeing are efforts to undermine these goals.  The Secretary-General has consistently called for maximum restraint by all.  It is increasingly clear, however, that restraint alone is insufficient at this extremely sensitive time.  The Secretary-General urges all to vigorously work towards regional de-escalation in the interest of long-term peace and stability for all.

The international community must work together to urgently prevent any actions that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, with a devastating impact on civilians.  The way to do so is by advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation.